Casa de Gloria – Pemba, Mozambique
What Is Casa de Gloria? Casa de Gloria (Portuguese for “house of glory”) is an Iris Ministries program for young men from the villages of Pemba, Mozambique. The youth gather together six nights a week for a meal, Bible teaching, prayer and worship under the leadership of native Mozambican missionaries working with Iris.
What Is the Need? Mozambique is still one of the most impoverished nations in the world and faces chronic unemployment problems. After grade 7, the government stops paying for school, so at the age of 14 most of these village youth are unable to afford to continue their education, have little prospects for employment, and are left aimless without a hope or a future. What’s more, the vast majority of these young believers are first- generation Christians in a nation almost entirely dominated by Islam until recent years.
The discipleship program strengthens the faith of these young believers who are often openly mocked, persecuted and challenged by Islamic family members and neighbors. Missionaries are also able to mentor the youth, reignite their dreams and help them pursue them, while connecting them with the greater vision of the kingdom of God and calling them to love, serve, pray for and reach out to their families, neighbors and villages, and involving them in the work of the Iris missions base.
How Can We Sow In? Casa de Gloria has established a Village Education Fund. The fund pays for fees, books, uniforms, backpacks and shoes for youth who are applying themselves to school but unable to afford continuing. Sponsored youth are not only able to continue in school, but are mentored one-on-one by an Iris missionary, connected to the discipleship program, and given opportunities to give back by serving with Iris.
$100 fully sponsors a youth for a year. It’s a kingdom investment with an unbelievable return to, for so little, raise up young men who are not only strong in their faith, but equipped to be a part of their nation’s rebuilding. For information on mailing a check, or to give online, visit http://myhopministries.org/give/.